In this article, you will find out all there is to know about free phones for seniors on Social Security. But before we begin, let’s find out what ‘Social Security’ means in the first place.
What is Social Security?
Social Security is a term used for the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program established and run by the Social Security Administration. It is a federal program in the U.S. that provides retirement benefits and disability income to qualified U.S. citizens, as well as their children, spouses, and other survivors. In order to be eligible for the Social Security retirement benefits, a worker must be 62 years old or more and must have paid into the system for at least 10 years. You can read everything there is to know about this program at govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CPRT-112WPRT7/pdf/CPRT-112WPRT7-Section1.pdf.
Why Free Cell Phone Is Necessary for Seniors on Social Security
Senior citizens on Social Security are often unable to afford a cell phone and communication services. However, nowadays, having both a mobile device and service is a necessity rather than a luxury (especially for seniors on Social Security), as such, every low-income senior citizen should get a free cell phone.
There are several reasons why getting a free cell phone is necessary for seniors on Social Security:
- For personal safety: Having a cellular device enables seniors and the disabled, both of which are the most vulnerable group in society, to call emergency services whenever they need them. This is especially important for seniors, as most of them live and spend most of their time alone. People who live alone cannot rely on others to take care of them. Instead, they must be able to contact health and emergency services on their own.
- For medical safety: Senior citizens are more prone to illness and falls, which may result in injury. In case your beloved senior citizen gets injured, becomes ill, or has a heart attack, for example, they must have a cell phone to call health services and request help. Having a landline phone only enables them to call help from home, while having a mobile phone allows them to call an ambulance even when they are outside.
- For mental health: Senior citizens and the disabled are more prone to experiencing emotional challenges due to their old age, disability, and declining well-being. In case they live on their own and are feeling lonely, their mental health is even more at risk. Having a cell phone may boost their mental health. How? Well, first of all, it enables them to contact their loved ones. Also, it can help them access some sites and apps that may help them relax, destress, and feel better.
Does the Government Really Offer Free Phones for Seniors on Social Security?
Senior citizens often struggle with a low income, which is exactly why the Social Security program has been established in the first place.
Luckily, low-income seniors often also qualify for another government assistance program, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP; formerly known as Food Stamps), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. In case your beloved senior citizen participates in any such government assistance program, they are automatically eligible to enroll in the government assistance program called Lifeline.
Lifeline is a government assistance program by the FCC designed to help make communication services more affordable for low-income households. Lifeline providers throughout the country offer eligible customers discounted or free monthly phone service and sometimes even a free mobile device. While senior citizens and the disabled get prioritized over other eligible customers due to their vulnerability, not all seniors all Lifeline-eligible. To qualify for the Lifeline program and receive a free phone for seniors on Social Security, you must participate in a federal assistance program or have a low annual income. See the Lifeline eligibility criteria in the next section.
How to Qualify for Free Phones for Seniors on Social Security
As mentioned above, senior citizens can receive a free phone for seniors on Social Security, however, to qualify for a free phone from the government, each senior must meet one or more of the following Lifeline eligibility criteria.
A person or household can qualify for Lifeline (and a free phone for seniors on Social Security):
Based on income:
If the household’s annual income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines (based on the household size and state).
Based on program participation:
If the person on any other household member participates in one of the following federal assistance programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
If the person on any other household member participates in one of the following Tribal assistance programs (for customers living on Tribal lands):
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
How to Sign Up for Free Phones for Seniors on Social Security
After making sure you (or your senior friend) are Lifeline-eligible (see the Lifeline eligibility criteria above) and thus qualify to receive a free government phone and service, you can proceed to sign up for free phones for seniors on Social Security.
To sign up for a free phone for seniors on social security, you must do the following.
- Step 1: Find a local Lifeline provider in your area. You can do so at lifelinesupport.org/companies-near-me.
- Step 2: Visit the provider’s website and read more about their Lifeline program. Contact them or sign up through their online application form.
- Step 3: During the application process you will be required to provide certain personal information and perhaps some documentation that may prove your Lifeline eligibility (e.g. an official document that proves your participation in a qualifying government assistance program or your income – see the full list of documents that you may be asked to provide at lifelinesupport.org/documents-needed).
- Step 4: Once you submit your application form or apply by phone, allow a few days for the provider to notify you whether or not you have successfully enrolled.
Free Phones for Seniors on Social Security Service Providers
There are numerous Lifeline providers that offer free phones for seniors on Social Security throughout the country. Their benefits vary by state and provider. Determining which Lifeline providers are the best is no simple task as it depends on your needs and preferences. However, checking out which providers offer free smartphones and plans with more data and minutes is a great start. Also, make sure the provider offers services in your state of residence.
Here are some of the best service providers for seniors who offer free phones and great plans for senior citizens:
Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is a telephone service company and a Lifeline provider. This company offers free phones for seniors on Social Security in many states, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Car9olina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
At Assurance Wireless, eligible seniors can receive:
- Free monthly data
- Free unlimited texts
- Free unlimited minutes
- Free 10 GB of mobile hotspot data up to 4G LTE speed
- A free phone for seniors on Social Security and other eligible customers (Android smartphone)
The Lifeline plan seniors can receive and the amount of data and minutes they may get depends on the state. The Android touchscreen phone they will receive depends on availability. Find out more and apply at assurancewireless.com.
Q Link Wireless
Q Link Wireless is a popular telecommunications company and Lifeline provider that offers free phones for seniors on Social Security and other Lifeline-eligible clients in the states of Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
At Q Link Wireless, seniors and other Lifeline-eligible customers can get:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Free unlimited data
- The ability to bring your own phone and number
- Instead of a free phone, customers can get a new tablet for just $10.01 (through EBB)
The Lifeline plan seniors can receive and the amount of data and minutes they may get depends on the state. The Android Qlink tablet they will receive depends on availability. Find out more and apply at qlinkwireless.com.
SafeLink Wireless
SafeLink Wireless is a Lifeline and service provider owned by Tracfone. It offers services and free phones for seniors on Social Security and other qualifying individuals in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Seniors, as well as other eligible clients, can receive:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Free unlimited data
- Free 10 GB hotspot
- A free smartphone
The Lifeline plan seniors can receive and the amount of data and minutes they may get depends on the state. The smartphone they will receive depends on availability. Find out more and apply at safelinkwireless.com.
SafetyNet Wireless
SafetyNet is a telecommunications and Lifeline provider that offers free services and free phones for seniors on Social Security and others and serves the states of California, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Qualifying seniors and other eligible individuals can get:
- Free talk
- Free text
- Free data
- A free phone for seniors on Social Security and other eligible customers.
The Lifeline plan seniors can receive and the amount of data and minutes they may get depends on the state. The free cell phone they will receive depends on availability. Find out more and apply at safetynetwireless.com.
TruConnect
TruConnect is another nationwide MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) and Lifeline provider that offers prepaid wireless services and free phones for seniors on Social Security and other eligible consumers in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
TruConnect’s Lifeline-eligible customers, including seniors, can get the following benefits:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Free international calling to select countries
- 14 GB of monthly data
- A free Android phone or Wi-Fi hotspot
The Lifeline plan seniors can receive and the amount of data and minutes they may get depends on the state. The Android smartphone they will receive depends on availability. Find out more and apply at truconnect.com/lifeline.
Is There Any Alternative Way to Get a Free Phone for Seniors on Social Security?
Lifeline providers offer free phones for seniors on Social Security who are Lifeline-eligible, as well as a free or discounted monthly plan.
However, Lifeline isn’t the only option. There are also some other alternative non-government ways to get free phones for seniors on Social Security, such as:
- Getting a free mobile device from a carrier when you switch to their services
- Getting a free mobile device from a carrier by trading in an old one in working condition
- Getting another carrier deal for a free phone (e.g. ‘buy one – get one free’)
- Checking on Craigslist, Freecycle, OfferUp, and Facebook Marketplace
- Looking out for giveaways (make sure the giveaway is not a scam, as many giveaways online)
- Becoming a free marketing agent, a reviewer, or participating in Amazon Vine
FAQ
Why Should Seniors Consider the Lifeline Assistance Program?
Seniors should consider enrolling in the Lifeline Assistance program because if eligible, they would receive free monthly service as well as a free government phone. Getting a phone would enable seniors to stay in touch with family members and friends, healthcare, and emergency services. It would also provide them with some entertainment and other practical tools.
What Type of Phone is Best for Seniors?
When looking for a phone suitable for seniors, it’s best to opt for a device with senior-friendly features, such as large keypad numbers, icons, and onscreen text for easy vision. The phone should also have long-lasting batteries, a phone tracking system, which would allow loved ones to keep the senior’s location, and health tracking features, which would enable the senior to monitor their health and well-being and perhaps even motivate them to live healthier.
How Does Social Security Work?
Social Security replaces a percentage of a person’s pre-retirement income based on their lifetime earnings. The percentage of their pre-retirement pays that Social Security replaces is based on the person’s highest 35 years of earnings and varies depending on how much they earn and when they choose to start benefits.